Urban Wildlife

(WXIA) -- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has brought back its Give Wildlife a Chance Poster Contest for 2014.

This year's theme is Plug into Nature, emphasizing the importance of experiencing wildlife and plants firsthand.

All Georgia students in grades kindergarten through 5 are invited to enter the contest. The top 12 winners' posters will be displayed on the DNR's Flickr site and at the Go Fish Education Center in Perry during the first two weeks in May.

Contest entries are due Apr. 16. Three winners will be picked in four categories (kindergarten, grades 1-2, grades 3-4, grade 5).

(WXIA) - Motorists are advised to exercise caution on the state's roadways during the fall season, with an increased number of deer sightings across the state.

"Deer are on the move during this time of year," said Commissioner Mark Williams, Department of Natural Resources. "While motorists in rural areas may expect to see deer, Georgia's suburban and urban areas can be prime spots as well."

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety says more than 300 people were hurt in vehicle collisions with deer during 2011. Nationally, federal officials said 1,000 people died in similar accidents between 2006 and 2010.

"Automobile claims caused by contact with a deer generally rise dramatically in the fall," said Georgia Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens. "I encourage all Georgia drivers to check their automobile policy to determine if they have adequate coverage. This optional protection is commonly found in the comprehensive coverage of an automobile policy."

ATLANTA -- Wildlife biologists say black bears like the one that rambled through backyards in Atlanta's northern suburbs in August could soon be permanent residents in north Fulton, Gwinnett and Cherokee counties, having cubs and raising families.

State officials say bears could be reproducing well inside the Atlanta metro area within the next decade, which would mean a new way of life for suburban residents not accustomed to living in bear country.

ATLANTA, Ga. -- For this week’s installment of Best Spots, we've compiled a list of the best lookout points in the metro-area to view the Atlanta skyline.

The prominent Atlanta Skyline is marked with midrise and high-rise buildings similar to those one would find in a larger city like New York City or Los Angeles. The Bank of America Plaza formally known as the NationsBank Building is one of the most prominent buildings in the Atlanta skyline and is the 42nd tallest building in the world, is the largest building in the Western Hemisphere outside of Chicago and New York and is Georgia’s tallest building.

Other buildings included in the Atlanta Skyline are the SunTrust Plaza, One Atlantic Center, 191 Peachtree Tower, the Georgia-Pacific Tower, Westin Peachtree Plaza, Two Peachtree Building and the Promenade II.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – There are tons of fun events going on this weekend, in your area. We’ve listed a few of them for you to check out with your family and friends.

The Gwinnett Braves will host a 5K Family Fun run at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville. The run will begin at 8:00 a.m. and is followed by a one mile family fun run that starts ten minutes later. This run will benefit the American Cancer Society and will cost $30. Participants will, also, get a free ticket to the Saturday matchup against the Toledo Mud Hens.

Norcross Police are inviting you to take part in a 5k run that begins at 8:00 a.m. The run will be called "Cops Helping Unique Kids" or CHUK. The $20 registration fee will go to the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation. There is also a free run and walk that will happen at 10:00 a.m. and a family festival at Thrashers Park.

ATHENS, Ga. – There are tons of fun events going on this weekend, in your area. We’ve listed a few of them for you to check out with your family and friends.

To commemorate National Public Gardens Day, sponsored by the Rain Bird and American Public Gardens Association, nationwide gardens are offering free admission with a coupon printout, which can be found here. The State Botanical Garden of Georgia, located in Athens, is accepting these coupons. The Garden is located about three miles south of the University. The address is 2450 South Milledge Avenue in Athens.

Visit Vines Garden in Loganville on Sunday May 7 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for National Train Day at Vines Garden. This event is being presented by Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation. Engineers will be on hand holding information sessions on trains at the largest railroad in the Southeast.